Builder Lab: Idea Accelerator · Duluth, MN
🚀 ILT Academy Builder Lab: Idea Accelerator
Sponsored by Northspan's DAWN program
Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM CT
Check-in: 4:30 to 5:00 PM
Location: Duluth, MN. We're finalizing the venue now. Registered guests get the exact address by email.
This high-energy, 3-hour Builder Lab helps local leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators turn ideas into action. Whether you're just getting started or refining an existing concept, you get practical tools, live coaching, and serious-fun collaboration to help you:
✅ Explore real market opportunities
✅ Understand your customers
✅ Build a stronger foundation for your business or nonprofit idea
What you'll do
Rapid Idea Testing: run quick real-world tests to find out what's working before you invest more time or money.
Customer Conversations: practice talking to real customers, ask the right questions, and pull out insights that move your business forward.
Define Your Customer: identify exactly who your customer is, what they need, and how your idea fits into their world.
Lightning Talk™: shape your idea into a clear, compelling 2-minute talk you can deliver with confidence.
Live Coaching: ILT Academy facilitators coach you live, with peer feedback throughout the session.
From past ILT Academy Builder Labs
Different rooms, different founders, same energy.
Who should attend?
Anyone, of any age or background, who's passionate about solving problems or building something new:
Aspiring entrepreneurs
Small business owners
Tribal and community leaders
Tech, product, service, and nonprofit builders
Students and educators
No pitch deck required. No business plan needed. Just bring your curiosity.
Tickets
Free for Minnesota and Wisconsin residents and current ILT Academy students, thanks to Northspan's DAWN program (approval required). General admission is $500.